ABOUT US
Meet Fishy, Our Heart and Inspiration
From Stray to Saved
Fishy’s story began on the streets of Lawton, OK, where he was known as the ever-elusive town stray. With a battered food bowl clutched in his mouth, Fishy wandered the neighborhoods, a silent plea for survival etched in every step. He was a ghost to some, a legend to others, and a heartbreaking sight to anyone who truly saw him—a reminder of how cruel life can be for those without a home.
For weeks, his future mom chased hope with a to-go bag always ready, dropping everything whenever Fishy’s location popped up on social media. Armed with sardines and a heart full of determination, she called out, "Fishy, Fishy, Fishy!" It was the only thing that made him pause. Slowly, cautiously, he would approach her scent of promise, the name sticking as a symbol of the trust she was earning. Six long weeks of near-misses and heartbreak led to the moment she finally wrapped him in safety—a defining moment for them both.

Now, Fishy is no longer the stray clutching a bowl; he’s the most loved dog, the face of resilience, and the spark that ignited a movement. His journey inspired the birth of Fishy’s Friends Rescue in early 2024, a foster-based organization dedicated to saving dogs like him—dogs with stories untold, hope deferred, and love desperately needed.
Today, Fishy’s name is more than a memory of his past. It’s a beacon of hope for every homeless dog we meet. Fishy’s Friends Rescue is proof that with compassion, determination, and a belief in second chances, lives can be transformed—just like his was. Together, we work to make sure every dog has the chance to move from hopeless to home.
Meet Our Amazing Team
Board of Executives
The Executive Board of Fishy’s Friends Rescue is the decision-making body responsible for overseeing operations, setting policies, and ensuring the rescue’s mission is upheld. Executive members have voting rights and play a direct role in shaping the rescue’s direction and priorities. They manage strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational governance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and success in achieving our goals. Unlike trustees, who may serve in advisory or supporting roles without voting power, the Executive Board carries the responsibility of making final decisions that impact the future of Fishy’s Friends Rescue.
Athena (Fishy's Mom)
President/Founder
Some rescues start with a plan—Fishy’s Friends started with a promise. A promise made on a cold, lonely night to a shivering dog who had nowhere else to turn. That dog was Fishy, and the person who refused to give up on him? Athena.
As Founder and President, Athena isn’t just leading a rescue—she’s leading a movement. She believes that every homeless dog is a friend of Fishy, and through education, advocacy, and relentless dedication, she’s working to create a future where no dog is left behind.
Athena oversees the mission, vision, and strategy of Fishy’s Friends, ensuring that every decision made strengthens the rescue’s foundation and brings more dogs to safety. She’s the voice, the backbone, and the heart behind it all—building partnerships, rallying the community, and pushing forward even when the work feels impossible.
She’s the one who never turns away, who sees potential where others see problems, and who fights for the ones with no voice. Because for Athena, this isn’t just a rescue. It’s a promise. And she intends to keep it.
Sabine (Dodger's Mom)
Vice President
Some people rescue as a passion, but for Sabine, it’s who she is. For over 30 years, she has followed her heart—one stray at a time—proving that love, loyalty, and a little determination can change lives. To Sabine, dogs aren’t just companions; they’re family. She often says she prefers dogs over people, and if you’ve ever seen her in action, you’d know exactly why.
As Vice President of Fishy’s Friends Rescue, Sabine is more than just a leader—she’s the steady hand, the sounding board, and the go-to for all things rescue. She helps steer the ship, making sure every decision stays true to our mission. Whether it's supporting fosters, coordinating efforts behind the scenes, or making sure every stray has a fighting chance, she’s there. She’s the one you call when a dog needs help at midnight in the pouring rain, and she’ll show up—because that’s who she is.
Amy (Frank's Mom)
K9 & Operations Director
Some people choose rescue—Amy was built for it. From vet tech work to grooming to hands-on rehabilitation, she’s done it all. And now, she’s bringing that unmatched experience and fierce dedication to Fishy’s Friends Rescue as our K9 & Operations Director.
Amy’s journey here started as a Pet Recovery Specialist, inserting microchips at our community chip events. From there, she became our K9 Coordinator, ensuring every dog received the care, training, and attention they needed to thrive. Now, as she steps into Operations, she’s not just leading—she’s revolutionizing how we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome.
With a spunky pack of her own at home, Amy understands the language of dogs in a way few do. She’s the one making sure our dogs receive the best vet care, structured training, and a path to a better life. She works behind the scenes and on the front lines—whether it’s securing medical treatment, building better protocols, or rolling up her sleeves to do whatever needs to be done.
Amy doesn’t just work in rescue. She lives it. And because of her, Fishy’s Friends is stronger, smarter, and saving more lives than ever.
Angela (Whiskey's Mom)
Treasurer
Some people bring skills to a rescue, some bring passion—Angela brings both. With a heart as big as her energy, she is not only a fierce advocate for animals but also the financial powerhouse behind Fishy’s Friends Rescue.
When she’s not independently working for the military or exploring the great outdoors, Angela is making sure every dollar donated is used to save lives. As Treasurer, she meticulously manages the rescue’s finances, ensuring that funds go where they matter most—vet care, food, supplies, and life-saving initiatives. She keeps the books balanced, the budgets tight, and the mission thriving.
Angela stands tall for the voiceless, fighting for homeless dogs with the same unwavering dedication she brings to everything she does. She’s not just behind the scenes—she’s at the heart of it all, helping to build a future where every dog gets the second chance they deserve.
Board of Trustee's
The Trustee Board of Fishy’s Friends Rescue serves as a supportive and advisory body dedicated to advancing the rescue’s mission. Trustees provide guidance, expertise, and resources to help the Executive Board achieve the organization’s goals. While trustees do not hold voting rights, their contributions are invaluable in shaping the rescue’s strategic initiatives and ensuring its success.
Trustees act as ambassadors for the organization, advocating for its mission within the community and assisting in fundraising, networking, and resource development efforts. By offering insights and support without direct decision-making authority, the Trustee Board complements the Executive Board, fostering collaboration and a shared commitment to saving homeless dogs and uniting the community.
Together, the Trustee and Executive Boards form the backbone of Fishy’s Friends Rescue, working hand-in-paw to create a brighter future for every dog in need.
Andie (Cookie's Mom)
Foster Coordinator
Andie is the heartbeat of our foster program, ensuring every rescued dog has a safe place to land. While pursuing her nursing degree, she dedicates her time to screening foster homes, managing supplies, and setting dogs up for success. Her compassion and attention to detail make her an irreplaceable part of our mission.
Mandy (DoodleBug's Mom)
Fundraising Coordinator
Mandy brings passion and purpose to fundraising, making sure Fishy’s Friends has the resources to keep saving lives. From planning events to crafting campaigns, she turns generosity into action. Her dedication helps ensure that every dollar raised goes toward giving homeless dogs a brighter future.
Shelly (Shadow's Mom)
Adoption Event Coordinator
Shelly is the magic behind our adoption events, ensuring every rescued dog gets their well-deserved second chance. With a deep love for animals and an eye for the perfect match, she connects pups with their forever families. Her dedication turns rescue stories into happy endings.
Kailey (Scooby Doo's Mom)
Volunteer Coordinator
Kailey is the driving force behind our volunteer team, keeping the rescue running with dedicated hands and hearts. Her own journey started with saving a stray, and now she’s inspiring others to do the same. She’s proof that one act of kindness can lead to a lifetime of impact.
Serenity
PAWsonality Specialist
At just 10 years old, Serenity brings heart and creativity to our rescue. She names every new pup based on their unique personality and spreads joy at microchip events, making sure each dog gets a treat. Her kindness and love for animals make her an irreplaceable part of Fishy’s Friends.
Meg
Community Engagement Fundraiser
Meg is the bridge between Fishy’s Friends and the community, building relationships and rallying support for our mission. With a background in outreach and a love for animals, she connects people with a cause worth fighting for. Her passion and dedication make all the difference.
Kaylyn (Cooper's Mom)
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
Kaylyn is the voice behind Fishy’s Friends, using her marketing and social media skills to spread our mission far and wide. She connects donors, sponsors, and adopters with our cause, making sure every dog’s story is heard. Her passion keeps the rescue’s impact growing every day.
Whitney (Harvey's Mom)
Microchip & Mobile Pet Nail Trim Specialist
Whitney is dedicated to pet safety, ensuring local pets are microchipped for a lifetime of security. Through her mobile nail trim service, she keeps pets groomed and healthy. Her love for animals and commitment to their well-being make her an invaluable part of Fishy’s Friends.
Amy (Frank's Mom)
Microchip & Grooming Specialist
Amy is a champion for pet wellness, helping reunite lost pets with their families through microchipping. As the owner of Amy’s Park ‘n’ Bark Mobile Grooming, she keeps local dogs looking and feeling their best. Her passion and dedication shine in everything she does for Fishy’s Friends.
Alex (Boss's Mom)
Adoption Coordinator
Alex joined Fishy’s Friends Rescue with a heart full of passion and a mission to keep homeless dogs safe—especially from the bitter cold of winter. Her dedication was impossible to miss, and we knew right away she belonged on our team. As our
Adoption Coordinator, Alex plays a vital role in processing applications, building strong relationships with adopters, and making the perfect match between our dogs and their forever families. She takes the time to understand both the needs of the adopters and the personalities of our rescue dogs, ensuring every adoption is a lifelong success. With her unwavering dedication and compassionate heart, Alex helps turn second chances into happily ever afters!
Get In Touch
Please reach out to the Fishy's Friends Rescue Team. We’re thrilled to connect with you and share our mission of saving lives.
Please be patient with us—we’re busy saving the world one tail at a time! We value you and will get back to you as soon as we’ve booped all the noses today.
